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Algorithms are the  building  blocks  of computer programs.  They  are important to
                 programming as recipes are for cooking. An algorithm is always written in very simple words
                 and precise language so that the steps can be understood easily by everyone.

                 In computer terms, 'Algorithm is the sequence of steps or computer operations which
                 collectively solve a given problem'.


                   Characteristics of a Good Algorithm


                 The main characteristics of a good algorithm are:                                                         PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
                 • Precision: Each step is precisely defined.                                                                PROBLEM SOLVING AND
                 •  Uniqueness: The result of each step can be uniquely identified and only depends on the

                   result of the preceding step.
                 • Finiteness: It stops after a finite number of instructions are executed.

                 •  Well-Defined Input: The input to an algorithm must be clearly specified and precisely
                   defined.                                                                                               115
                 •  Well-Defined  Output:  The  output produced by the algorithm must also  be clearly
                   specified and precisely defined.

                 • Effectiveness: The algorithm should be efficient in terms of time and space.

                   Uses of an Algorithm


                 Algorithm is commonly used for:
                 •  Performing data processing              •  Performing computer and mathematical operations
                 •  Manipulating data                       •  Searching for a particular data


                   Writing an Algorithm


                 The construction of an algorithm is a process that requires creative thinking and finding
                 the best possible combination of steps to get the result. For example,
                 A. Algorithm to find product, sum, and difference of two numbers.

                 Step 1:   Start.
                 Step 2:  Read two numbers and store them in A and B.

                 Step 3:   Multiply two numbers A and B and store the result in Product.
                 Step 4:   Print the product.
                 Step 5:  Add two numbers A and B and store the result in Sum.

                 Step 6:  Print the sum.

                 Step 7:   Subtract the number B from the number A and store the result in Difference.
                 Step 8:   Print the difference.
                 Step 9:   Stop.
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